Get ready to gag, y’all! The iconic Bourbon Pub & Parade is wrapping up its 50th anniversary celebrations with a major splash, and this one is for the LGBTQ+ history books. The historic pub has announced that they’ll be awarding their first-ever “Golden Ally Award” to none other than the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge. That’s right, Ms. Coolidge—our favorite gay icon and queen of campy fabulousness—is being honored for her unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community. What better way to close out five decades of queer fabulousness than by honoring one of the fiercest allies we’ve got?

For those who might not know (but how could you not?), Jennifer Coolidge is not only an award-winning actress, but she’s also been an outspoken advocate and beloved friend to the LGBTQ+ community. She’s spent years supporting LGBTQ+ causes and serving up ally realness, and as a New Orleans resident, she’s part of the local queer family. So it’s only fitting that Bourbon Pub & Parade, a pillar of the city’s gay scene, is showering her with the love and appreciation she’s earned.

The Bourbon Pub & Parade is going big for their 50th year, and Coolidge is a key part of the celebration. So, if you’re in New Orleans, honey, you’re going to want to pay close attention to the events coming up because this award is part of an epic lineup that’ll take you through the rest of the year. Buckle up, because we’re breaking down everything you need to know.

What Is The Golden Ally Award?

The Golden Ally Award is a brand-new honor cooked up by the Bourbon Pub & Parade for their milestone anniversary. According to owner Sandy Sachs, this award was created to celebrate straight allies who’ve gone above and beyond in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. And who better to give the inaugural award to than Jennifer Coolidge? She’s been a fixture of the community for years, and her local ties to New Orleans made her an obvious choice for the award. So, while this may be the first time Bourbon Pub is giving out this shiny honor, the hope is that it becomes a recurring tradition. Let’s just say we’re crossing our fingers that it’s here to stay!

Why Jennifer Coolidge?

Simply put: Jennifer Coolidge is that girl. From her legendary role as Paulette in Legally Blonde to her campy stints on The White Lotus, Coolidge has been a beloved icon in queer culture for years. But beyond her on-screen fabulousness, she’s been a loyal and outspoken ally for LGBTQ+ causes. Not to mention, she’s a New Orleans resident who’s graced the Bourbon Pub & Parade with her presence on multiple occasions. Her relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, paired with her connection to the city, made her a perfect fit for this landmark award.

When Will Coolidge Receive The Award?

Now, here’s where it gets a little mysterious. While the award is confirmed, the exact date when Jennifer Coolidge will strut her stuff into Bourbon Pub & Parade to accept it is still up in the air. As we all know, Ms. Coolidge has a pretty packed schedule, but rest assured, the Bourbon Pub is working hard to make sure she can attend in person. So, stay tuned, babes! You’ll definitely want to be in the crowd when this queen takes the stage to accept her well-deserved honor.

Southern Decadence & Other Fabulous Events

The Golden Ally Award is just one part of the fabulous lineup Bourbon Pub & Parade has planned for their anniversary. Southern Decadence, one of the most legendary LGBTQ+ festivals in the country, is right around the corner. From August 30 to September 2, New Orleans will be lit with parades, music, and parties galore. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this! And the celebrations don’t stop there—Bourbon Pub is keeping the party going through the end of the year. In October, they’re throwing a Gay Halloween bash (October 18-20), and come November, they’ll be closing out their 50th anniversary with a weekend of unforgettable parties (November 8-10).

Let’s Celebrate Our Allies

The 50th anniversary of Bourbon Pub & Parade is more than just a milestone for the bar itself; it’s a celebration of the entire LGBTQ+ community. With legends like Jennifer Coolidge by our side, it’s a reminder of how powerful our allies can be. And as the pub looks ahead to its next 50 years, it’s clear that the love and support from allies like Coolidge will continue to uplift and inspire our community.

Ready To Join The Party?

With so many incredible events on the horizon and the fabulous Jennifer Coolidge being honored as a true LGBTQ+ ally, there’s no better time to join the celebration. Whether you’re a New Orleans local or planning to visit, Bourbon Pub & Parade is the place to be for Southern Decadence, Gay Halloween, and their 50th-anniversary finale. Grab your glitter, get your costumes ready, and let’s show up for the community, our allies, and the fabulous spaces that make it all possible. Drop a comment below with your thoughts, experiences, or what you’re most excited about for Bourbon Pub’s 50th!